The Brief
Petrosains, The Discovery Centre is well-known among the young and old alike as the heart of fun science learning in the country. In 2008, the centre realised that it was time to take another step forward to further strengthen their existing smart partnership and relationship with the Ministry of Education.

Keeping in line with the Petrosains philosophy exploring new ways of bringing science to life in classrooms they wanted a new idea that could inspire students to explore their understanding and expression of scientific concepts through a creative medium.

The Idea
Astana came up with ACTology, a school-based competition which allowed students to unleash their creativity, acting prowess and knowledge of science on a single platform. Also known as the Petrosains National Science Theatre Competition 2008, it gave participants the chance to pit their skills against each other to creatively act out or simulate important discoveries or moments in science.

Open to only group participation from students of Forms 1 to 3, the nationwide competition was carried out regionally with prizes of educational trips to Hong Kong, Singapore and in Malaysia as well as multimedia facilities and certificates to be won.

The theme of the competition was Science of Energy and participating teams had to conceptualise a theatre performance based on what energy meant to them. Judged based on science content and accuracy, creativity, originality, delivery, props and costume, winners at the regional level had to compete against other science superstars around Malaysia at the final national competition.

The Results
ACTology was endorsed by the Ministry of Education, allowing Petrosains to gain further support from the schools and teachers to encourage student participation. During the competition, over a thousand entries were received from more than 400 schools nationwide. Petrosains had to narrow the list down to only 27 schools that were to compete in the regional competition.

The theatrical performances were a delight to watch, as students demonstrated their ability and creativity in weaving entertaining storylines into the normally dull facts of everyday science. The subject of science was given a new perspective, limited only by the vast imaginations of students who were willing to learn and play at the same time.